Liverpool fine tuning swoop for Song

Liverpool, 10/1 to win the Premier League, could be set to add Barcelona boy Alex Song to their Anfield ensemble, as Brendan Rodgers continues to recruit reinforcements for the new Premier League campaign.

The Reds’ rivals Manchester United have been continuously linked with a move for the ex-Arsenal anchor man, who has been mooted to make a summer switch. However, it is now reported that Liverpool are favourites to swoop in and secure his services.

This means United could find themselves in hot water if they fail to pull off a move for Juventus superstar Arturo Vidal, as Rodgers is believed to be homing in on their supposed backup target.

Song could return to the Premier League after spending just two terms with the Catalan giants. The accomplished defensive midfielder has so far made just 39 La Liga appearances for his current club, netting one goal, and has failed to hit the heights of his previous performances for the Gunners.

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger took Song on loan before signing him permanently from French side Bastia in 2006. The Cameroon capped star went on to enjoy 205 outings for the Gunners over six seasons, contributing 14 assists in his last campaign in north London, before making a £15m transfer to Barca in 2012.

Reds boss Rodgers may need to bolster his options if Lucas Leiva decides his future lies away from Anfield, with former coach Rafa Benitez apparently interested in taking the Brazilian to Napoli.

Song is likely available for an affordable fee, following rumours he is not part of new Barca boss Luis Enrique’s plans, and would be a top quality addition for the Merseysiders. According to reports in Spain, the Liverpool coach has already made a bid for the 26-year-old and is keen to seal a deal as quickly as possible.

The Cameroon star has already proven to be a Premier League success, and has 47 caps, including appearances at two World Cups. Song’s international record was somewhat tarnished by a controversial incident in Brazil this summer, though, when the Indomitable Lions midfielder received a red card for an elbow on Mario Mandzukic.

Liverpool, odds-on at 5/6 to finish outside the top four, could still make waves in the transfer window this summer, with Rodgers also reportedly still interested in making a blockbuster move for PSG striker Edinson Cavani.